Vanessa McMahon

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China Conference, Networking Receptions, Cinando Subscriptions Lead the New Programs

LOS ANGELES (June 16, 2015) – The 2015 American Film Market (AFM) has unveiled several new initiatives ahead of this year’s event. These include the addition of two new conferences: The AFM China Conference and the AFM Festival Conference. Additionally, Carousel Cocktails will offer producers and filmmakers new networking opportunities and, for the first time, AFM and Cinando are providing all registered participants with a one-year, full access subscription to the Cinando web and apps.

AFM Managing Director Jonathan Wolf said: “These programs are part of our ongoing mission to provide participants with enhanced access to the global film industry, exclusive content and education, and unique and memorable networking opportunities. From insights on China to cocktails on the Santa Monica pier to year-round connections through Cinando, participants will have more new benefits than ever before.”

Adding a sixth conference to the Series, the AFM China Conference on Friday afternoon, November 6th, will present leaders from all sectors of China’s film industry as they explore and reveal how producing, marketing and distributing in China differs from the West. Everything from talent and crews to culture and restrictions to platforms and windows will be covered.

The AFM Festival Conference sponsored by FilmFreeway, on Monday, November 9th, will provide a thorough understanding of how to work with and position festivals in a film’s production and marketing strategy. Discussions will include how to evaluate which festival works best for each specific film, submission tactics including do’s & don’ts, and strategies to leverage and maximize a film’s selection before and during a festival.

The AFM Conference Series will run from Friday, November 6th through Tuesday, November 10th and will also include Conferences on Finance, Pitching, Production and Distribution.

The AFM will also host the world’s producers during four themed networking receptions at the historic Merry-Go-Round on the Santa Monica Pier. AFM’s Carousel Cocktails will provide a unique and memorable experience as participants connect and relax at the beach. Premium badge holders (Industry Plus, Executive & Executive Plus) will be invited to attend one Carousel Cocktail of their choice. Platinum badge holders are welcome to attend all four.

The 2015 AFM Carousel Cocktails are:

Genre Night - Saturday, November 7th

Meet the Festivals - Sunday, November 8th

Micro-Budget Night - Monday, November 9th

Closing Night - Tuesday, November 10th

And, for the first time at any market or festival, every AFM 2015 participant will receive a one-year subscription to Cinando, the international online networking tool, festival database and gateway into the film industry. Cinando provides its users with contacts, films, projects in development, screening schedules during major film markets and the Cinando screening room with “Market Catch-up” screenings.

The AFM will run November 4th-11th at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. The Conference Series will take place at Santa Monica’s Fairmont Miramar Hotel. For more information on each session please see: www.AmericanFilmMarket.com/conferences.

For media inquiries, including press credentials, please visit: www.AmericanFilmMarket.com/press.

Join us on Twitter with @AFMOfficial and #AFM2015

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About the American Film Market: The business of independent motion picture production and distribution reaches its peak every year at the American Film Market. The global film industry converges in Santa Monica for eight days of deal-making on films in every stage of development and production, as well as screenings, conferences, networking and parties. With 8,000 industry leaders from more than 80 countries, 700 screenings and the industry’s largest Conference Series, AFM is the pivotal destination for filmmakers, producers, writers, distributors, financiers, industry executives, talent, the international media and all those who provide services to the worldwide motion picture industry. The AFM is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance® the global trade association of the independent motion picture and television industry.

About The Independent Film & Television Alliance: The Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) is the global trade association for the independent motion picture and television industry. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the organization represents more than 150 member companies from 23 countries, consisting of independent production and distribution companies, sales agents, television companies and financial institutions engaged in film finance. IFTA is dedicated to protecting and strengthening its Members’ ability to finance, produce, market and distribute independent films and television programs in an ever-changing and challenging global marketplace.

About Cinando: Cinando is the leading database hub for feature-film-industry professionals, providing an ample gateway into the film industry: contacts, profiles, films for sale, projects in development, screening schedules during the major film markets and the Cinando Screening Room are the key features that Cinando has to offer. Cinando.com is the go-to guide for film professionals all-year-round.

About FilmFreeway: FilmFreeway makes it easy to discover and submit to thousands of film festivals and screenplay contests all around the world. FilmFreeway is always 100% free for filmmakers and writers.

-Edited by Vanessa McMahon